West Dam, Bad Creek
West Dam, Bad Creek is an earth dam located in Oconee County, South Carolina, built in 1991. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About West Dam, Bad Creek
The primary purpose of West Dam, Bad Creek is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Duke Energy (public utility). It impounds the Bad Creek, West Bad Creek near Clemson, Sc.
The dam stands 170 feet tall and stretches 900 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 367 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 33,892 acre-feet. Completed in 1991, the structure is 35 years old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 06/21/2022.
At 170 feet, this dam is taller than 99% of all dams in the United States.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The South Carolina dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | South Carolina |
| County | Oconee |
| Nearest City | Clemson, Sc |
| River/Stream | Bad Creek, West Bad Creek |
| Coordinates | 35.00690, -83.02440 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 170 ft |
| Dam Height | 170 ft |
| Dam Length | 900 ft |
| Year Completed | 1991 (35 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 33,892 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 33,892 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 367 acres |
| Spillway Type | None |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Duke Energy |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 06/21/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | SC83011 |
| Federal ID | SC83011S002 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |